Home Pilates Equipment for Studio Quality Workouts (2026)

When joseph pilates Develop what was first It’s called controlology In the early 1900s, there were no dedicated studios or scary equipment. There wasn’t even a repairman yet. (That came later, improvised from leather straps and hospital bed frames.) The idea was simple then, and it remains so now: Pilates asks you to work with what you already have. Your body does the work, and the mat makes it more comfortable.

Pilates is about moving with intention. Whole-body exercises rely on precision and balance, favoring slow, controlled movements over momentum or force. Emphasis is placed on the full range of motion, emphasizing time under tension, deep core engagement, and unifying mind, body, and spirit. It sounds relaxing, but it’s not exactly the easiest exercise.

The right gear won’t do the workout to Yours, but it can make it more comfortable, more effective, and, frankly, more fun. Below, we’ve rounded up the best Pilates equipment worth having for your home workouts, whether you’re a beginner or well into the age of Pilates princesses. For more health recommendations, check out our other guides, including Best protein powders, Best massage gunsand Yoga mats, props and everything you need for your practice.

Pilates clothing

Nothing motivates me to work out like great Pilates clothes. You can technically wear almost anything, but I would stick to wearing the most form-fitting athletic clothing, so your Pilates instructor can check your form. Avoid loose or oversized clothing, and prioritize stretchy fabrics that do not restrict movement. This combination of Pilates exercises has been tried and tested. They move well, feel comfortable, and hold up every session.

If you buy one thing, make it grip socks. Whether you’re on a mat or a repair machine, these rubber soles help prevent slipping and sliding, giving you better traction and stability during movements. A good pair can also provide light cushioning and arch support. If you train at a shared studio or use shared equipment, breathable Pilates socks are a health upgrade, too.

We want our bottoms to remain stable during twists, leg circles, and long lunges, without digging in or losing shape. They also need to be squat resistant. High-waisted leggings (full length or capri) made from soft, stretchy fabric are ideal for Pilates and other low-impact exercises. Biker shorts work too, but in a hot class, an extra layer of fabric can help maintain stability on the supports during a leg workout.

These are the best leggings for Pilates based on our testing, including these Lululemon biker shorts that we love. For more favorites, check out our website Best leggings guide.

For Pilates exercises, look for low- to medium-impact styles that are usually supportive without feeling stressful. I gravitate toward wide straps that don’t have underwire and won’t dig in while working on the floor, but I also realize that these features may not be as supportive for larger busts. These are our top favorites, including a posture correction bra if alignment or lower back pain is a concern. For more selections, check out our website Best sports bras guide.

All-in-one jumpsuit with built-in bra takes the guesswork out of Pilates wear. Our favorites provide supportive, comfortable coverage that takes you from warm-up to cool-down.

Special Pilates equipment

You certainly can’t do Pilates with anyone but yourself, but if you want to increase the intensity or change up your workout routine, here are some things you should do.

Exercise mats are essential because they provide much-needed padding to soothe your joints while working on the floor. The fit items are designed with a textured, textured surface for added traction. It keeps you stable, and supports better control. It acts as a protective barrier between your skin and the disgusting floor.

I also always need a towel when working out, and if you’re attending a hot class, this is especially essential for absorbing sweat. Pro tip: You can also turn a towel into a resistance band by twisting and pulling it. For more selections, check out our website Best yoga mats guide.

You don’t need to spend on a $2,000 reformer to practice Pilates at home. I do hot Pilates at my local fitness studio twice a week, and we usually use a combination of props: an exercise ball, a Pilates ring (aka magic circle), and light weights. I like to use 2- or 3-pound dumbbells, but wrist and ankle weights don’t require grip strength and add extra intensity to a full-body Pilates workout. Core latches, which fit under your hands or feet, add resistance to your movements and are an affordable alternative to reformer springs.

We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can find more tested picks at our site Best reusable water bottles guide.

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